One group, for example, says the ability to widely distribute the best performers’ products at low cost portends a world where even small differences in talent command huge differences in reward. That view is known as the “winner take all” theory.

In contrast, the “long tail” theory holds that the information revolution is letting sellers prosper even when their offerings appeal to only a small fraction of the market. This view foresees a golden age in which small-scale creative talent flourishes as never before.

These dueling theories strike close to home. My personal intellectual bets have given me a strong rooting interest in the winner-take-all view. But even the most flint-eyed economist has a romantic side. That part of me wants the long-tail outlook to prevail, and not just because of its hopeful message for underdogs. ...

One group, for example, says the ability to widely distribute the best performers’ products at low cost portends a world where even small differences in talent command huge differences in reward. That view is known as the “winner take all” theory.

In contrast, the “long tail” theory holds that the information revolution is letting sellers prosper even when their offerings appeal to only a small fraction of the market. This view foresees a golden age in which small-scale creative talent flourishes as never before.

These dueling theories strike close to home. My personal intellectual bets have given me a strong rooting interest in the winner-take-all view. But even the most flint-eyed economist has a romantic side. That part of me wants the long-tail outlook to prevail, and not just because of its hopeful message for underdogs. ...